A single gloved hand reaches through the closed curtain and, with a flick of its wrist, snaps fingers along to a familiar tune. The curtain then opens, revealing a bizarre mix of ghoulish frowns on the faces of a dark, ghostly group: the Addams family. This is the shocking image that opens Newport Harbor High School’s lively production of “The Addams Family,” a hilarious musical that follows the classic family as its members are forced to accept the daughter’s engagement to a devastatingly ordinary young man.

With a deep, mysterious voice and smooth, languid movements, Sabrina Von Bogenberg perfectly embodies Morticia, the concerned but controlled mother and wife. Von Bogenberg oozes confidence, always standing completely erect with her chin high and arms crossed delicately. She shows off impressive dancing skills with high kicks and sharp spins in “Secrets” as she explains her philosophy on marriage.

Henry Lopez as Gomez contrasts Von Bogenberg’s powerful stillness with a frenetic energy that shines through his every frenzied movement. His playfulness emerges when he lunges at his motionless servant with a sword, masterfully flicking the blade as he engages in a one-sided duel. Lopez adds a soft Latin twang to his squeak of a voice, which adds another level of comedy to his quirky character.

Rolling her eyes and donning a deep frown, Alina Aguirre is defiant and assertive as their daughter, Wednesday. Her usually dark demeanor falls aside in “Pulled,” when she giggles with earnest smiles, singing of love and the new feelings that come with it.

Transforming from a nervous housewife to a newly empowered woman is Vita Muccia as Alice, the mother of Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend. At the start of the show, Muccia’s high-pitched, squealing voice is often cut off by fits of hyperventilation during which she clutches her chest and opens her eyes wide with anxious fear. In her climactic song, “Waiting,” her inhibitions fall away and she lets loose, flinging her sweater to the ground and jumping atop the dinner table.

Emma Andranian and Kelly Dowell do an excellent job providing kooky, well-crafted props. From ancient torture devices to a miniature Fester doll, each is highly detailed and fitting to the dark mood of the show.

With captivating, quirky characters and excellently delivered humor, Newport Harbor demonstrates the strength of familial ties in its production of “The Addams Family.”

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